Chimney leaks aren’t uncommon. They can occur at any time, and are relatively harmless for short periods of time. If left untreated, however, they can cause severe damage that can be very expensive to repair. To catch leaks before they lead to bigger problems down the road, be sure to have regular inspections from experts in chimney leak repair in Alpharetta, GA, and keep an eye out for these common problems.
Missing Chimney Cover
Chimneys need some kind of cap or cover to protect them from the elements. Also, animals and birds can form nests, and get into all sorts of hi-jinks. And, if your chimney gets blocked, it can lead to carbon monoxide leaking into your home.
Damaged Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the sloped layer of concrete that prevents water from doing damage to the mortar in the bricks underneath. If small cracks develop, then water can seep in, resulting in the same freeze and thaw cycle that tears up roads. Needless to say, leaks are the ultimate result, so a damaged crown should be repaired as quickly as possible.
Poor or Damaged Cricket
A cricket is the flexible piece of metal that is supposed to guide rainwater around your chimney. If the surrounding tiles are damaged, the flashing can become loose, and water can get into the mortar in the chimney.
Inadequate Chimney Liner
Sometimes, the flue will be too big for the chimney liner. When this occurs, it can lead to excessive creosote building up and, in the worst cases, chimney fires. A chimney repair expert can fix this by relining your chimney with the appropriate sized liner.
Deteriorating Mortar
Water that seeps into your mortar and masonry can settle and remain for long periods of time. This can result in the growth of mold within the chimney which has the potential of threatening the structural integrity of your home.
These are just a few of the most common ways in which leakage can occur in and around your chimney. Once it looks like you have a problem, you shouldn’t hesitate to call for the best chimney leak repair in Alpharetta, GA.